Allergan In-Licenses Next Generation Photodynamic Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration From Photochemical Co., Ltd.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 10, 2001

Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) today announced that it signed an agreement with Photochemical Co., Ltd. for the right to develop and commercialize ATX-S10, a light-activated modified porphyrin compound used for photodynamic therapy of age-related macular degeneration. In pre-clinical testing, ATX-S10 has shown promise in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (irregular blood vessel growth in the back of the eye), a condition associated with age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, in the pre-clinical testing conducted, the ATX-S10 treatment regimen exhibited highly focused tissue selectivity capabilities that may, if validated in the forthcoming clinical trials, favorably impact the therapeutic results.

Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of legal blindness among people over 50 years of age in the Western world. Each year, approximately 10% of the estimated 13 million people with macular degeneration will suffer severe central vision loss due to the wet or advanced form, which is characterized by bleeding from ruptured new blood vessels that form under the central part of the retina, called the macula. Central vision is lost from the resulting scar tissue. Each year 200,000 individuals will lose all central vision in one or both eyes.

Photodynamic therapy is a two-step therapeutic process beginning with the administration of an injectable drug, or "photosensitizer." While circulating in the bloodstream, the drug attaches to lipoproteins and albumin. Once the concentration of the drug reaches appropriate levels in abnormal blood vessels, it is activated with an appropriate dose of light at a particular wavelength. The activated photosensitizer subsequently causes the closure of the unwanted blood vessels, eliminating the leakage and bleeding, and stabilizing the vision.

"The in-license of this dynamic technology represents a significant further commitment by Allergan to establish a robust presence within the retinal disease arena and to provide additional depth to our already strong new product pipeline," said David E. I. Pyott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allergan. "To date, medical alternatives in this debilitating disease area have been extremely limited. Allergan very much looks forward to pursuing the clinical development of a technology that will address this large, under-served market."

Forward-Looking Statements

Any of the above statements that refer to the Company's estimated or anticipated future results -- for example, statements regarding future clinical activity and commercialization of products relating to ATX-S10 -- are forward-looking and reflect the Company's current analysis of existing trends and information. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Allergan's businesses, including the inherent uncertainties associated with the research and development process and the regulatory approval process, technological advances and patents attained by competitors, competitive conditions, and changing market conditions, including the performance and acceptance of new products. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will effectively develop a product relating to, or receive governmental approvals necessary to commercialize a product relating to ATX-S10, or that, if approved, the Company will be able to successfully market the product. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in this release. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Certain Factors and Trends Affecting Allergan and Its Businesses" in Allergan's 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000. Allergan's filings are available publicly and upon request from Allergan's Investor Relations Department: 714.246.4636 or http://www.allergan.com.

About Allergan, Inc.

Allergan, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven global health care company providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products worldwide. Allergan develops and commercializes products in the eye care pharmaceutical, ophthalmic surgical device, over-the-counter contact lens care, movement disorder, and dermatological markets that deliver value to our customers, satisfy unmet medical needs, and improve patients' lives.